Fixing clasps is a regular part of necklace care. Frequent opening and closing cause the tiny malleable pieces to warp and bend. When the clasp breaks, many think they must take it to a jeweler for expensive repairs or replace the broken necklace. However, using simple tools, you can fix a broken necklace clasp at home in a couple of minutes.
For more significant jewelry damage, ensure you protect all your necklaces with an easy-to-use, affordable fine jewelry insurance from Brite-Co™. Our plans will ensure that your necklaces are covered in the event of damage, loss, or theft, giving all your jewelry pieces the protection they need.
Supplies and Tools You Will Need
Fixing a broken necklace clasp is easy and only requires a few tools that most already have at home. The following will be necessary.
- Jewelry pliers or needle nose pliers
- A soft microfiber polishing cloth
- A magnifying glass
- A new clasp
- A small shears or scissors
- How to Fix a Necklace Clasp: Step-by-Step
- Locate the Problem
- Open the Clasp or Jump Ring
- Secure the Chain to the Jump Ring and Clasp
- Attempt to Repair Any Damage
- Replace Any Part That is Beyond Repair
- Test your Work and Buff the Metal
- How You Can Prevent Future Breaks
- Protect Your Necklaces with BriteCo™
Locate the Problem
A standard necklace lobster clasp has two parts, the clasp itself and the jump ring, or rings, on the other side of the necklace where it attaches. The damage could be due to the attachment ring or rings deforming so they can no longer secure the clasp. Or one of the clasp’s moving parts, such as the closing arm, could be stuck, bent, or deformed and can no longer keep the ring inside the clasp.
Open the Clasp or Jump Ring
Using your pliers, sheers, or small scissors, carefully pry open the damaged jump ring or clasp. Do this as gently as possible to avoid breaking or overbending the metal. Necklaces are often made of soft metals like gold and silver, which are very malleable, so only use a gentle touch and light pressure from your tool.
Secure the Chain to the Jump Ring and Clasp
Before you fix the ring or clasp damage, ensure both are connected securely to the rest of the necklace chain. This is done by crimping the link connecting the ring or clasp to the rest of the chain. If there is any visual gap, close it with gentle pressure from your pliers.
Replace Any Part That is Beyond Repair
If you cannot bend the clasp or jump ring back into place, replace the part. New lobster clasps and jump rings are available in bulk from accessory and jewelry stores. Simply open the chain link that connects the ring or clasp to the rest of the chain, thread the open metal through the ring or clasp, and crimp it closed using the same technique used before.
Test your Work and Buff the Metal
After finishing your repairs, test the clamp and jump ring to ensure they form a tight fit. Gently pull the necklace in opposite directions. If the clasp breaks, it needs to be replaced. If it holds, your repair was successful.
Your tools will typically scuff the area around the clasp. Using a microfiber cloth to buff the area gently will restore its shine. Using finger pressure, you can also use this time to make minor adjustments to your repair work.
How You Can Prevent Future Breaks
While it is easy to fix a broken necklace clasp, taking steps to prevent breaks can avoid needing more repairs, losing a necklace, or needing more extensive repairs by a jeweler. Simple ways to prevent breakages include:
- Properly storing your necklaces
- Checking the clasp condition before you wear it and make minor adjustments before breakages occur
- Having your pieces regularly cleaned and maintained by a professional jeweler
Protect Your Necklaces with BriteCo™
Your necklaces are valuable pieces of fine jewelry that need to be properly insured. Your existing homeowners or renters insurance might not cover your jewelry, leaving these precious pieces dangerously uninsured.
BriteCo™ offers a range of affordable, easy-to-use fine jewelry insurance policies that are valid worldwide. We offer protection from loss, theft, and damage. BriteCo™ even offers up to 125% of replacement value, so you can feel confident you can replace the full value of your necklace. Sign up on our website in minutes for one of our plans and protect your pieces for just a few dollars a month.
